Forming apparatus for conical paper bands and the like



I. R. LYNCH Feb. 4, 1969 FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND THE LIKE Sheet Filed Aug. 30, 1966 FIG 1 INVENTOR. IRA R. LYNCH BY 15% im, 6% Miami ATTORNEYS I. R. LYNCH Feb. 4, 1969 FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND THE LIKE Sheet g of 7 I78 I7\9 I82 Filed Aug. 30. 1966 INVENTOR. IRA R. LYNCH F I 6+ 2 W MQ 4mm ATTORNEYS Feb. 4, 1969 r. R. LYNCH 3,425,325

FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 30. 1966 INVENTOR. 3o|\ 34a IR'A R. LYNCH ATTORNEYS 1. R. LYNCH Feb. 4, 1969 FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 50. 1966 I Sheet ATTORNEYS Feb. 4, 1969 1. R. LYNCH V 3,425,325

FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 30, 1966 Sheet 5 of 7 F IG 9 INVENTOR.

IRA R. LYNCH FSO U LM M, F 0 1 M ATTORNEYS I. R. LYNCH Feb. 4, 1969 FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND- THE LIKE Sheet 6 of Filed Aug. 30, 1966 INVENTOR. IRA R. LYNCH ATTORNEYS I. R. LYNCH Feb; 4, 1969 Sheet Filed Aug. 30. 1966 ATTORNEYS 9m 2m RH M mm mm H N VI Sm 5m w L i mmm J m 5 E R E m A m Rm H QNM l W 0%)" own Lwmm &Nm 1 f \\\&/Q I. w m mm. 3 w EN n EN m com United States Patent Olfice 3,425,325 Patented Feb. 4, 1969 3,425,325 FORMING APPARATUS FOR CONICAL PAPER BANDS AND THE LIKE Ira R. Lynch, Daly City, Calif., assignor to Papercone Corporation, San Francisco, Calif., a corporation of California Filed Aug. 30, 1966, Ser. No. 575,997 US. C]. 93-79 Int. Cl. Bllc 7/02; B65h 37/00; B65g 57/16 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to the manufacture of paper products and more particularly to apparatus for forming a paper band having a conical sh ape.

The paper band with which the present invention is concerned is formed as a truncated cone and is hereinafter referred to as a paper cone. Such paper cone is fabricated from an elongated paper blank, said blank being curled with its opposite ends overlapped and secured together. The cone is adapted to be placed around the neck of a beverage bottle or similar container, and is passed over the top of the bottle and held in place by the widened portion below the bottle neck.

The outside surface of the paper cone provides a printing surface for advertising and display material, information as to the contents of the container or other desired printed matter. The paper cone need not be glued or otherwise permanently aflixed to the bottle, which especially adapts it for use on bottles which are to be reused for the same contents or for different contents at different times, and for use in connection with short term promotional campaigns.

Heretofore, methods of and apparatus for producing paper cones of the above character have been objectionable for various reasons. By one method of forming the cone the opposing ends of the cone blank are secured together by a tab on one end being inserted into a slit cut in the opposite end. The resulting cone is sloppy in appearance and is subject to unintentional uncurling. One type of conventional apparatus produces undesirable bands of crimped or finely corrugated material extending circumferentially of the cone surface, while another produces creases which extend partially or fully between the edges of the cone.

Conventional cone producing methods and apparatus are further objectionable in that they frequently yield paper cones wherein the paper blank ends are nonaligned and imperfectly secured, which is a result of insufiicient or improperly placed adhesive or the absence of suflicient pressure on the overlapped ends during the adhering operation.

With the apparatus and method of this invention perfectly formed paper cones are produced from elongated paped blanks, in extremely rapid succession. In the apparatus, means are provided for storing the paper blanks in a stack and for successively discharging individual blanks from one end of the stack. The dis-charging blanks are transferred onto a rotating, conical curling member for curling about an axis into a conical shape, and the opposite ends of each of the blanks are glued together. Upon completion, the paper cones are positively ejected from the curling member and are automatically stacked in preselected numbers for subsequent handling.

.It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved apparatus for and method of producing a paper band having a frustoconical shape.

Another object of this invention is the provision of apparatus for and a method of curling elongated paper blanks into conical bands with the opposite ends of the blanks effectively secured against uncurling.

An additional object of this invention is to provide apparatus in a paper cone forming machine for automatically stacking paper cones in stacks containing a preselected number of such paper cones.

A further object of this invention is the provision of apparatus for forming paper cones, which apparatus includes elements which are adjustable or readily interchangeable for enabling said apparatus to produce paper cones of different diameters and angles of convergence.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be come apparent from the description of one embodiment of the apparatus and method thereof taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of the paper cone forming apparatus of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the paper cone forming apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary front, vertical sectional view of the rear portion of the paper cone forming apparatus generally as seen from line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary front view of a portion of the paper cone forming apparatus forwardly of the front wall thereof, generally as seen from line 44 of FIG. 2, illustrating the positions of parts immediately preceding a cycle of paper cone forming operations.

FIG. 5 illustrates portions of the apparatus of FIG. 1 forwardly of the front wall thereof, enlarged and with parts removed for purposes of clarity. The positions of the parts immediately preceding a cycle of paper cone forming operations are indicated in full line, and the positions at the point of discharge of a cone blank, in broken line.

FIG. 6 illustrates the parts of FIG. 5 at a point during the cone curling operation.

FIG. 7 illustrates the parts of FIGS. 5, 6 during ejection of the completed cone.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, partly schematic view illustrating the means for applying glue to the trailing end of a cone blank.

FIG. 9 is a vertical, side sectional view of the curling member and associated structure of the apparatus of FIG. 2, on a scale enlarged relative thereto, as generally seen from line 99 thereof.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, isometric view of the rotary valves and transfer chamber incorporated into the compressed air and vacuum systems of the paper cone forming apparatus.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the combined compressed air and vacuum systems of the paper cone forming apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a partially perspective, partially schematic View of the portion of the paper cone forming apparatus which automatically stacks the completed paper cones in stacks containing preselected numbers of such cones.

FIG. 13 illustrates a form of paper blank utilized to form a paper cone according to this invention.

In detail, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, the paper cone forming apparatus of this invention comprises support structure including a horizontal base plate 3 and a pair of opposed, parallel vertical walls 4, 5 (FIG. 2) supported thereon. Wall 4 is the rear wall, being at one edge 6 of base plate 3, which is taken as the rear edge, and wall 5 is the front wall and is generally centrally of base plate 3. Disposed forwardly of front wall 5 is the cone blank storage and feed assembly 8 (FIGS. 1, 2) for storing blanks 10 in a stack or row and at the discharge end of storage and feed assembly 8 is the blank discharge means 9 for successively releasing individual blanks from said stack. Also at the discharge end of blank storage and feed means 8 is a transfer mechanism 12 which employs vacuum suction to draw the individual blanks 10 from the stack thereof onto a rotatable curling member 13 which incorporates vacuum gripping for rotating and curling the cone blanks therewith, about an axis, into paper cones. Glue applicator assembly 14 is disposed for applying glue to the trailing end of blank 10 immediately prior to its discharge from the storage stack, and a pressure roller assembly 15 (FIG. 1) is provided for pressing the glued ends of the blank together while said blank is being curled on curling member 13.

Ejector means for positively propelling the completed paper cones from curling member 13 comprises a blowoff tube 16 (FIG. 2) disposed alongside curling member 13, and blow-off passages in the interior of curling member 13, from which are emitted appropriately timed air blasts. Forwardly of curling member 13 is the cone stacking means 17 (FIGS. 1, 2, 12) for automatically stacking the completed cones in stacks containing a preselected number of such cones. At the rear of base plate 3 is a drive assembly 18 (FIG. 2) for imparting rotation to the parallel shafts 21, 22, 23 which extend between front and rear walls 5, 4 respectively, which shafts, in turn, impart desired motion to the remaining moving parts of the apparatus through appropriate linkages. The paper cone forming apparatus also includes a combined compressed air and vacuum system 19 (FIG. 11), and the operation of the valves and other elements of the system is synchronized by the rotation of shafts 21, 22, 23.

The paper blanks 10 (FIG. 13) from which the cones are formed, are in the shape of a portion of an annulus, having a concavely curved edge 27 and a concentric convexly curved edge 28. The curvature to be given edges 27, 28 depends on the desired degree of convergence of the surface of the completed cone, with the degree of convergence increasing with greater curvature of edges 27, 28. The edges 31, 32, respectively at each end of blank 10 extend at angles to curved edges 27, 28, which angles may be selected so that edges 31, 32 will be parallel when overlapped on the cone, and when so selected, similarly depend on the desired degree of curvature of the cone surface.

Blank storage and feed assembly 8 (FIGS. 1, 2) includes a trough 33 formed of a rectangular, upwardly concavely curved metal sheet having an upper side edge 35 and a parallel, forwardly positioned, lower side edge 36 along which extends an upstanding flange 37. Trough 33 (FIG. 1) slopes slightly downwardly from an input end 30 toward a discharge end 34 and is disposed at an angle to front wall 5 (FIG. 2) with discharge end 34 nearer said wall than end 30 and having an end edge 40 located adjacent and generally parallel to the closest portion of the surface of curling member 13. An angle bracket 38 (FIG. 1) mounts trough 33 in position on front wall 5 and includes a vertical flange portion 39 secured to the front face of front wall 5, and an upper forwardly projecting horizontal flange portion 41 secured at the underside of trough 33 at the forward portion thereof.

Blanks 10 are stored on trough 33 in a slightly inclined stack, shown in broken line at 43 in FIG. 2, with concave edge 27 of the individual blanks forwardmost and the printed surface thereof facing toward trough input end 30. Secured to upstanding flange 37 adjacent discharge end 34 of trough 33 is a hold-down bracket 44 (FIG. 1)

having a straight vertical portion 45 and an upper curved portion 46 generally matching the curvature of trough 33. To the underside of curved portion 46 are secured two cylindrical rods 47, 48 (FIG. 2) which extend in spaced, parallel relation in the direction of extent of stack 43. Rods 47, 48 are adapted to engage the upper curved surface of stack 43 along parallel lines of contact on the portion of stack 43 which is at discharge end 34 of trough 33, for maintaining blanks 10 in said stack in proper position for feeding to curling member 13. The end 49 of each rod 47, 48 facing toward trough input end 30 is rounded to avoid jamming or interference with feeding of the blanks. To maintain stack 43 in a compacted condition and urge the blanks in the stack toward discharge end 34 of trough 33 an arcuately shaped weight 52 (FIG. 1) is carried in trough 33 at the input end of stack 43, for sliding along the sloping trough 33 under the influence of gravity and pushing against the stack 43.

Blank discharge means 9 (FIGS. 1, 2) at discharge end 34 of trough 33 is actuated by shaft 21 for successively releasing individual blanks 10 from the end of stack 43. Shaft 21 extends horizontally between vertical walls 4, 5 at the upper left-hand corner thereof, as seen in FIG. 1, and is journalled for rotation in journal bearing 53 at rear wall 4 (FIG. 2) in bushing 54 at front wall 5. Projecting forwardly of front wall 5 is a shaft front end portion 55 on which is fixed a rotary cam 50 (FIGS. 1, 2, 5), including a circular dwell portion 51 and a rounded projecting portion 56 (FIG. 5). At the upper left-hand corner of front wall 5 stub rod 57 (FIG. 1) projects forwardly from a mounting plate 58 secured to the front face of said front wall. Pivotally secured on stub rod 57 is an apertured end 59 of a rod 60 which extends from end 59, generally parallel with front wall 5 and slightly downwardly toward the right, as seen in FIG. 1, to a free end 62. On end 62 of rod 60 is a forwardly projecting angle bar 63 having a forward end 64 which is positioned directly above the uppermost flat surface of stack 43 at the discharge end of trough 33. A spacer member 65 depends from front end 64 and carries at its bottom end a generally horizontal foot member 66 (FIGS. 1, 5) extending along the direction of feed of blanks 10 and formed of an elongated piece of spring steel. Foot member 66 includes an upwardly curving portion 67 facing toward the direction of feed of blanks 10 and a straight portion 68, the free end of which is bent downwardly to provide a lip 69 (FIG. 5). In the normal position foot member 66 rests on the upper flat surface of stack 43 with lip 69 positioned against the first blank in the stack.

Generally intermediate the ends of rod 60 is provided 'a downwardly projecting lug 72 (FIG. 1) which rotatably rnounts a cam roller 73 which is in rolling contact with the uppermost surface of cam 50. A tension spring 74 is connected between an eye 75 on the underside of rod 60 positioned between lug 72 and end 59, and an eye 76 mounted on front wall 5 at a point rod 60, for urging roller 73 downwardly against cam 50. It can be seen, therefore, that upon rotation of shaft 21 and cam 50 therewith roller 73 is intermittently elevated and lowered as it is engaged by projecting portion 56 of cam 50, causing corresponding intermittent movement of foot member 66 to and from blank stack engaging position.

Shaft 22 (FIGS. 1, 2) extends between walls 4, 5 at the upper central portion thereof, and blank curling member 13 is fixed on the front end portion 77 (FIGS. 2, 9) of said shaft, which portion 77 projects forwardly of front wall 5. Shaft 22 is rotatable in journal bearing 78 (FIG. 2) at rear wall 4 and in bushing 79 (FIG. 9) at front wall 5. A cylindrical block 82 is fixed on shaft portion 77 adjacent front wall 5 by a setscrew 80, and curling member 13 is rigidly but removeably secured on portion 77 against the front face of block 82 by a setscrew 81. Curling member 13 which may be of aluminum or other rigid, wear resistant material, has a forwardly converging frusto-conical shape with an annular flange 91 extending radially outwardly around its wider end. A central, axial bore 83 extends partially through curling member 13 for receiving the front end of shaft portion 77, and a shallow, closed, axial bore 90, having a diameter less than that of bore 83, is provided at the front end of curling member 13 for receiving a short length of pipe 84 which projects forwardly of said curling member and, as will be seen, functions as a guide rod for guiding movement of the completed paper cones 25.

Front end portion 77 of shaft 22 is bored to provide an internal passage 85 (FIG. 9) which extends for a dis tance rearwardly of front wall 5, and radially extending bores 87, 92, respectively formed in the rear and forward portions of curling member 13, intersect shaft end portion 77 and communicate with passage 85 through apertures 88, 93 respectively, in the wall of said shaft end portion. A generally rectangular groove 86 extends circumferentially around curling member 13 intermediate bores 87, 92. Passage '85 in pipe end portion 77, and bores 87, 92 are provided for alternately conducting air under high pressure and vacuum, as will hereinafter be described.

A pipe fitting 184 (FIG. 4) adapted to receive metal tubing of approximately inch diameter is threaded through front wall 5 above and to one side of curling member 13. Connected to fitting 184 forwardly of front wall 5 is a metal tube 185 having a forward end 186 terminating in an elongated opening 187 disposed adjacent rim 91 of curling member 13 and directed inwardly toward the surface of said curling member. Air under pressure is supplied to tube 185 through air line 188 (FIG. 11) which is connected to fitting 184 at the rear of front Wall 5. As will hereinafter be described the flow of air to tube 185 is controlled so that a jet of air is applied through opening 187 against the surface of curling member 13 at an appropriate point during the paper cone forming cycle to assist in the ejection of the completed cone from curling member 13.

The blank transfer means 12 (FIGS. 1, 4) is provided for successively transferring individual blanks from discharge end 34 of trough 33 to curling member 13 (FIG. 4). Shaft 23 (FIG. 2), extends between rear wall 4 and front Wall 5 in parallel relation with shafts 21, 22 and is journaled for rotation at rear wall 4 and journal bearing 89 and at front wall 5 in bushing 94. Said shaft 23 includes front end portion 95 (FIG. 4) which projects forwardly of front wall 5 and on which is fixed, for rotation adjacent the front face of front wall 5, a rotary cam 96 (FIG. 4) having a generally spiral shape with a curved portion 97 of continuously increasing radius and a cusp 99' connecting the points of maximum and minimum radius. On the front face of wall 5 adjacent the upper edge thereof and above cam 96 is mounted a plate 99 from which projects a pin 100. A linkage rod 101 is pivotally secured at its apertured upper end 102 around pin 100 and extends angularly downwardly to a lower end 103. On the front surface of rod 101 at a point slightly lower than midway along said rod is a forwardly projecting pin 197 on which is rotatably secured a roller 104 positioned for rolling engagement with the cam surface of cam 96. A pivot pin 110 projects forwardly from lower end 103 of rod 101 and one apertured end 108 of a linkage rod 106 is pivotally secured on said pin. From end 108 rod 106 extends below cam 96 (toward the right in FIG. 4) to an apertured end 109 which is pivotally connected with one end of a slide assembly 112 positioned below rod 106. Slide assembly 112 includes an elongated slide housing 113 slightly upwardly inclined and angled forwardly of wall 5 toward curling member 13. Said slide housing 113 is stationarily secured to front wall 5 by an angle bracket 118 having a forwardly pro-T jecting upper flange portion 119 and a lower vertical flange portion 122, respectively secured to the underside of slide housing 113 and the front face of front wall 5.

To adapt slide housing 113 for receiving a slide member 117 said housing includes a housing portion 114 which is of rectangular U-shaped cross section defining an upwardly opening rectangular groove 115. A closure plate 116 is bolted to the top of said housing portion 114 and elongated slide member 117, having a rectangular cross section, is received between portion 114 and plate 116 in groove 115, with each end projecting from housing 113. At the end 123 of slide member 117 remote from curling member 13 is an upstanding block 124 at the upper end of which is fixed a forwardly projecting pin 125 on which is pivotally secured apertured end 109 of rod 106. Around end 123 of slide member 117 adjacent the inwardly facing side edge of block 124 is a circular flange 126, and also around end 123 is a coil spring 127 which extends between flange 126 and the opposed end 128 of slide housing 113 and is normally compressed for urging end 123 away from housing 113 and cam roller 104 against cam 96 through rods 101, 106. On end 129 of slide member 117 nearest curling member 13 is a block 132 having a central, vertically extending bore 133 fully therethrough. The upper portion of bore 133 is threaded to receive an elbow fitting 134 and the lower end portion of bore 133 is threaded to receive a fitting 135 which is connected to a flexible tube 136. The lower end of flexible tube 136 is connected to a vacuum supply line 137 through a fitting 141 which is mounted on front wall 5, said flexible tube 136 being of sufiicient length as to be somewhat slack between its connections. A curved metal tube 138 of small diameter, which is hereinafter referred to as the transfer tube, is connected to the upper open end of elbow fitting 134 and curves upwardly from fitting 134 under and partially around curling member 13 to terminate in an upper open end 139 which is on a level slightly above the center of curling member 13 and has an edge 142 which is cut angularly across tube 138 to extend generally vertically.

As seen in FIG. 4 when shaft 23 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction cam 96 is rotated therewith imparting intermittent oscillating motion to rod 101 about pivot pin 100 through cam roller 104 which is continuously in rolling contact with cam 96. The lower free end 103 of rod 101 reciprocates toward and away from curling mem ber 13, and slide member 117 connected to end 103 by rod 106 and block 124, similarly reciprocates but is enabled to reciprocate in a straight line in slide housing 113 since rod 106 has a pivotal connection at both ends. When cam roller 104 engages cam 96 at the point on the cam surface nearest the center of the cam, slide member 117 is in its furthest position from curling member 13, and end 139 of tube 138 is positioned in groove 86 of said curling member 13. As cam 96 rotates in the counterclockwise direction its point of contact with roller 104 is continuously further from the center of the cam, and slide member 117 is moved toward curling member 13 while end 139 of transfer tube 138 is moved from groove 86 of curling member 13 toward the first blank 10 in stack 43. When roller 104 is in contact with cusp 99 slide member 117 is nearest curling member 13 and end 139 of transfer tube is substantially against the end of blank stack 43. As cam 96 continues to rotate roller 104 is again in contact with the cam at the point of minimum cam radius and tube end 139 is abruptly moved into groove 86. Thus, tube end 139 is oscillated between points respectively in groove 86 and substantially against the end of stack 43. As will be hereinafter described means are provided for introducing vacuum into flexible tube 136 and transfer tube 138 through vacuum line 137 during the movement of said transfer tube into groove 86 of curling member 13 whereby transfer tube 138 is enabled to suck a cone blank 10 from the end of stack 43 and bring it to curling member 13.

Also fixed for rotation on the front end portion 95 of shaft 23 and against the front surface of cam 96 is a cam (FIG. 4) which is associated with pressure roller assembly 15. Cam 130 has a generally parabolic shape with a sharply rounded portion 148 nearest the center of shaft 23 and an opposite arcuate portion 149 of constant radius farthest from the center of said cam. Cam 130 is positioned on shaft 23 with one end of arcuate portion 149 adjacent cusp 99 of cam 95 and arcuate portion 149 generally overlying the portion on cam 95 nearest the center of said cam. At the upper right hand corner of front wall 5, as seen in FIG. 4, is secured a plate 142 from which projects a pin 143 on which is pivotally secured one apertured end 145 of a rod 146. Rod 146 extends to an opposite end 147 disposed above curling member 13 and near the top edge of front wall 5. Depending from rod 146 at a point above the axis of shaft 23 is a lug 150 at the bottom end of which is rotatably mounted a roller 151 disposed for rolling contact with the top surface of cam 130. An eye 152 is provided on rod 146 generally intermediate the ends thereof and to the left of roller 151 (FIG. 4), and a tension coil spring 153 is connected at its upper end to eye 152, extends downwardly, and is connected at its lower end to an eye 154 secured to front wall 5. Rod 146 is urged downwardly about a pivot point at pin 143, by spring 153, to maintain roller 151 in contact with cam 130. The free end 147 of rod 146 is received in a sleeve 160 through which are threaded setscrews 155 which may be screwed into engagement with the top of rod 146 to lock sleeve 160 on said rod or may be retracted from rod 146 to permit sliding adjustment of sleeve 160 therealong. Projecting forwardly from sleeve 160 is a sleeve portion 157 having a vertically extending bore through which is received a rod 158. A setscrew 159 is threaded through sleeve portion 157, so that rod 158 may alternatively be locked in sleeve 160 or permitted to slide in said sleeve for adjusting its vertical position. At the bottom end of rod 158 is a lug 164 on which are rotatably mounted a pair of parallel rollers 165 which rotate on a common shaft 166 which extends forwardly downwardly at substantially the same angle as the top surface of curling member 13.

Upon counterclockwise rotation 'of shaft 23 rod 146 oscillates about a pivot point at pin 143 whereby rollers 165 are intermittently elevated and lowered. Rollers 165 are positioned so that when roller 151 on rod 146 is in contact with arcuate portion 149 of ca-m 130 the rollers are elevated slightly from the top surface of curling member 13, and when roller 151 is in contact with the sharply rounded portion 148 and other portions of cam 130 than arcuate portion 149 said rollers 165 are in rolling contact with the top surface of said curling member 13. Arcuate portion 149 extends through approximately 90 degrees of the cam perimeter so that rollers 165 are in the elevated position during approximately one quarter and in the contacting position during approximately three quarters of a full rotation of cam 130. As best seen in FIG. 9, rollers 165 are positioned to contact the surface of curling member 13 on each side of groove 86.

Shafts 21, 22 and 23 are rotated through drive assembly 18 (FIGS. 2, 3) which comprises a gear 167 rigid on shaft 22 adjacent and inwardly of rear wall 4, and gears 168, 169 of twice the diameter as gear 167, respectively on shafts 21, 23 and in enmeshing relation with gear 167. The rear end portion 172 of shaft 22 projects rearwardly of rear plate 4, and fixed thereon is a pulley 173 around which is an endless V-belt 174 which also extends around a pulley 175 which is secured to the outermost end of a rearwardly projecting rotatable stubshaft 176 which is on rear wall 4 at the lower portion thereof. Also rotatable on stubshaft 176 with pulley 175 and inwardly of pulley 175 is a larger pulley 177 around which is an endless V-belt 178 which also extends around a pulley 179 mounted for (rotation on the drive shaft 182 of an electric motor 183 connected in a conventional electric circuit (not shown). As best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, when drive shaft 182 is rotated in a clockwise direction center shaft 22 is similarly rotated in a clockwise direction and shafts 21, 23 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction at one-half the speed of shaft 22, since gears 68, 69 thereon are twice the diameter as gear 67 on shaft 22.

Immediately before each cone blank 10 is released from blank stack 43 an adhesive substance is applied to one end of the blank for securing the blank ends together. With the apparatus illustrated in FIG. 8 glue at an elevated temperature is applied in two spots to the bottom end of blank 10. Means for applying the glue to the end of blank 10 includes a glue tank or reservoir 191 (FIG. 8) which has a heater 192 for maintaining glue therein at a high temperature so that it has a highly fluid consistency. A pump 193 is provided for causing said glue to be continuously circulated through a glue system which includes an outlet line 194, a glue applicator or gun 197 and a return line 196. Glue applicator 197 is of conventional construction, such as the type manufactured by Nordson Corporation of Amhurst, Ohio, under their trademark Versa/ Melt. As illustrated in FIG. 8 glue applicator 197 comprises a housing 198 having an interior passage which is in communication with outlet glue line 194 and return glue line 196. Passage 195 in housing 198 terminates in an enlarged end portion 195' in which is a heater 199 enclosed in a protective sheath 200. Disposed across the open end of enlarged portion 195 and secured to housing 197 is a closure plate 201 which carries a pair of nozzles 202. At the end of housing 198 remote from closure plate 201 is an air inlet port 210 which is connected to air line 203 and which communicates with passage 195. Interposed in inlet port 210 is a check valve 204 which permits flow of air in the direction from said port to passage 195 only. A solenoid valve 205 regulates the flow of air from an air supply line 206 into air line 203, said solenoid valve normally obstructing air flow, but permitting such fiow when a microswitch 207, to which valve 205 is electrically connected, is closed by engagement with a projection 208 on a cam 209 which rotates on shaft 23. Microswitch 207 is closed only momentarily by cam 209 so that air is admitted to line 203 through solenoid valve 205 in a blast of very short duration. When air is thus admitted into air line 203 and port 210 the air pressure causes glue in passage 195 to be ejected through nozzles 202 and abruptly applied to the bottom end of blank 10 in two spots.

The completed paper cones are automatically stacked in stacks having a preselected number of such paper cones by stacking means 17 which includes an air actuated indexing table 301 (FIGS. 1, 2, 12) which is positioned forwardly of and below front wall 5. Indexing table 301 includes a base 302 (FIG. 2) having a center post 303 on which is rotatably secured a circular horizontal plate 304. Also rotatable on center post 303 is a ratchet wheel 305 which is engaged by a series of pawls 306 secured to the underside of plate 304. As seen in FIG. 2, pawls 306 are positioned so that clockwise rotation of ratchet wheel 305 causes corresponding rotation of plate 304, whereas counterclockwise rotation of ratchet wheel 305 causes no corresponding rotation of said plate. Beneath ratchet wheel 305 and rigid therewith is a pinion 307 which is enmeshed with a rack member 308 projecting from a piston rod 311 on a piston 312 reciprocable in an air cylinder 313 mounted on base 302. Compressed air introduced to cylinder 313 through an air line 314 at the outer end thereof urges piston 312 toward plate 304 causing extension of rack member 308, and air introduced through a line 315 at the inner end of cylinder 313 causes retraction of rack member 308. As can be seen movement of rack member 308 toward the fully extended position results in clockwise rotation of plate 304, but retraction of rack member 308 causes no reverse movement of said plate. One form of indexing table well adapted for the present purpose is manufactured by the Allenair Corporation of Mineola, N. Y., under the Allenair trademark.

On plate 304, in regularly circumferentially spaced relation are a plurality of vertically extending stacking rods 316 (FIG. 12) which are straight over substantially their full length, but are curved at the upper end to provide a short generally horizontal, radially outwardly directed end portion 317. Rods 316 are of sufficient length and are so positioned that end portion 317 of one rod 316 is located generally in alignment with guide rod 84 projecting forwardly of curling member 13 (FIG. 12), with the end portion 317 of the remaining rods 316 moveable into such location upon rotation of plate 304. Rack member 308 and pinion 307 are adapted to rotate or index plate 304 for aligning a succeeding stacking rod 316 with guide rod 84 upon each successive displacement of said rack member.

An electric counter mechanism 318, of conventional construction, which registers the number of paper cones issuing from curling member 13 along guide rod 84, controls actuation of piston 312, in cylinder 313 and thereby, rotation of plate 304. A number is registered on mechanism 318 when a cone passes between a light source 321 and photocell 321' disposed in opposed relation on opposite sides of guide rod 84 and electrically connected to counter mechanism 318 by electrical lines 319. Counter mechanism 318 includes a selector dial 322 for selecting a number to correspond to the number which it is desired to have in a completed stack of paper cones, and also includes a normally open switch 323 which has one contact 324 that is closed when the selected number or multiple thereof is registered on said counter mechanism, and a second contact 325 which is closed immediately thereafter. Switch 323 activates a pair of solenoid valves 326, 327 (FIG. 11) in an air supply system, hereinafter described in detail, for introducing air to cylinder 313, and thus plate 304 is rotated each time a preselected number of paper c ones have passed along guide rod 84 and onto a stacking rod 316.

Compressed air and vacuum are introduced to the appropriate parts of the cone forming apparatus through a combined system in which is a rotary valve 211 (FIGS. 2, a rotary air transfer chamber 212 and a rotary valve 213, respectively mounted on shafts 21, 22, and 23. Valve 211 (FIG. 10) includes a cylindrical rotary valve body member 215 to the rear of and in sealing contact with stationary body member 214. Body member 214 rotatably receives shaft 21 in a bushing 216, and body member 215 is rigidly secured to shaft 21 by a setscrew 220 for rotation with said shaft. Shaft 21 projects through the front wall 219 of member 214, and a sealing and bearing ring 217 of nylon or other plastic material is affixed to the rear surface 218 of said member. In body member 214 is an arcuate channel 222, concentric with shaft 21 and curving through approximately 270 at a point midway between the center and periphery of said body member, said channel 222 being closed at the front end by front wall 7-19 and open at rear surface 218. A threaded bore 223, which is an inlet port, extends radially from one side of member 214 into communication with channel 222, and a second threaded bore 224, which is an outlet port, extends radially from the top to a point generally midway to the center of said member at a point around the circumference thereof at which channel 222 is interrupted, so that bore 224 does not communicate with channel 222, but instead intersects a bore 225 which extends rearwardly from bore 224 to rear surface 218. Valve body member 215 includes an arcuate channel 226 which corresponds in radial cross sections to channel 222, said channel 226 being open at the front surface 227 of member 215 and closed at rear wall 228. It can be seen in FIG. 10 that when valve body member 215 is rotated to a position in which channels 222, 226 are aligned the open rear end of bore 225 is closed by the front surface of body member 215 and cannot communicate with said channels 222, 226, so that air entering inlet port 223 cannot pass through valve 211. When body member 215 is rotated from such position so that bore 225 communicates with channel 226 valve 211 is open.

Air transfer chamber 212 on shaft 22 includes a cylindrical stationary body member 231 (FIG. 10) and a cylindrical rotary body member 232. Member 231 includes a circular front wall 233 through which projects shaft 22 which is bored axially from its front end to a point immediately rearwardly of body member 232 to provide a central passage through transfer chamber 212. Shaft 22 is received in bushing 235 in member 231 and is freely rotatable relative to said member 231. In member 231 a circular channel 236 is provided, which is concentric with shaft 22, at a point generally midway between the center and periphery of member 231, and which is closed at the forward end by front wall 233 and at its rear end by rear wall 237 to which is aflixed a sealing and bearing ring 248. A threaded bore 238, which is an inlet port, extends radially from the top of member 231 and intersects channel 236, and a second threaded bore 23?, also an inlet port, extends radially from the bottom of member 231 and likewise intersects channel 236. Rotary body member 232 is rigidly secured to shaft 22 for rotation therewith by means of a setscrew 240 threaded through a collar 243 integral with the rear portion of said member 232. Member 232 has an interior circular channel 247 with a radial cross section corresponding to that of channel 236 in member 231, said channel 247 being open at the front surface 250 of member 232 and closed by rear wall 244 thereof. Shaft 22 is received in a boss 251, the radially outer surface of which is defined by the radially inner surface of channel 247, and a bore 252 extends radially through boss 251 and the wall of shaft 22, and communicates with passage 85. It is thus seen that inlet ports 238, 239 of body member 231 are always in communication with passage 85 in shaft 22.

Valve 213 on shaft 23 includes a stationary cylindrical valve body member 255 formed similarly to body member 214 on shaft 21. Member 255 includes a circular front wall through which projects shaft 23 which is freely r0- tatable in a bushing 257, and said member 255 is formed with an interior arcute channel 261 identical to channel 222 in valve 211. A threaded, radially extending bore 262, which is an inlet port, intersects a rearwardly extending bore 263, and a second radially extending bore 265, which is an outlet port, intersects channel 261, said bores respectively corresponding to bores 224, 225, and 223 in valve 211. A sealing and bearing ring 269 is afiixed to the rear surface 272 of body member 255. Rotary body member 266 is rigidly fixed on shaft 23 by means of setscrew 270, for rotation therewith, and is formed with a central bore 267 for receiving shaft 23 and with an elongated frontwardly open rounded groove 268 located at the same point generally between the center and the periphery of valve 213 as is channel 261 of body member 255. Groove 268 is of sufiicient length to simultaneously communicate with the open rear end of bore 263 and an end of channel 261. In FIG. 10 it is seen that during the greater portion of a full rotation of body member 266 bore 263 is closed to prevent passage of air through valve 213, but at the point during such rotation when member 266 is positioned so that groove 268 therein communicates both with the rear end of bore 263 and an end of channel 261 air can pass through the valve.

Valves 211, 213 and chamber 212 are in a vacuum system which has a dual purpose, one of which is to provide vacuum to transfer tube 138 (FIG. 4) during movement of tube 138 toward curling member 13 whereby the leading end of blank 10 discharged from stack 43 is sucked against the open end 139 of the tube 138 and is carried with the tube into contact with curling member 13. The second purpose of the vacuum system is to provide vacuum to the interior passage 85 and radial bores 87, 92 0f curling member 13 after the leading end of cone blank 10 is in contact with said curling member 13, for retaining blank 10 on the curling member for rotation therewith and curling of the blank. Vacuum is supplied from a vacuum pump 273 (FIG. 11) through a vacuum line 274 to inlet port 265 of rotary valve 213 (shown in the closed position in FIG. 11) on shaft 23, and from outlet port 262 of valve 213 through vacuum line 275 to transfer tube 138. A vacuum gauge 276 is interposed in line 275 to enable ready determination of the vacuum pressure in tube 138, with the desired pressure being approximately 20 p.s.i. gauge pressure. Vacuum from pump 273 is also carried in vacuum line 277 to inlet port 223 of rotary valve 211 on shaft 21, through valve 211 and a vacuum line 278, in which is interposed an air pressure gauge 279, to inlet port 238 of air transfer chamber 212. In chamber 212 vacuum line 278 is in continuous communication with interior passage 85 of shaft 22 which in turn communicates with passages 87, 92 in curling member 13. Vacuum is intermittently passed through valve 211 depending on the relative rotary positions of valve body members 214, 215 (FIG. thereof.

Valve 211 and chamber 212 are also in a compressed air system which controls the flow and pressure of air supplied by an air compressor 282 (FIG. 11). From compressor 282 air passes through an air line 289 and a pressure regulator 283 to a cam valve 284 which is normally in a closed position. A cam follower 285 on the free end of a lever 290 on valve 284 is disposed for intermittent engagement with a rounded projecting portion 286 of a cam 287 is engaged by cam portion 286 valve 284 is opened to permit air passage into an air line 288, from which air passes through inlet port 239 of chamber 212 and also through a check valve 292 to blow-off tube 186. Check valve 292 permits air at positive pressure to be expelled through tube 186, but closes tube 186 when vacuum is in line 293. Pressure gauge 279 communicates with inlet port 239 and indicates the pressure of air as regulated by pressure regulator 283, which pressure is preferably approximately 100 p.s.i. gauge pressure. Air line 288 is always in communication with passage 85 of shaft 22 and bores 87, 92 of curling member 13. As can be seen in FIG. 11 the operation of the valves of the compressed air and vacuum system are controlled and synchronized by the rotation of shafts 21, 22, 23.

From compressor 282 air also passes through an air line 294 and an air pressure regulator 295 to an air line 296 which is connected to the inlet port of solenoid valve 205. The core 298 of solenoid valve 205 is normally disposed to obstruct passage of air through said valve but is displaceable to permit passage of air through said valve when microswitch 207, connected to valve 205 by electrical lines 300, is in the closed position. Microswitch 207 includes a contact element 333 which is disposed for intermittent engagement with a projection 208 on cam 209 which is rotatable on shaft 23. During each rotation of shaft 23 microswitch 207 is closed momentarily, whereby air is supplied from solenoid valve 205 to line 203 in glue applicator housing 197, and glue is applied to cone blank 10 as above described. Air also passes from line 294 through a pressure regulator 335 disposed in an air line 336 which is connected to the inlet ports of double core solenoid valves 326, 327 respectively disposed at the outer and inner ends of air cylinder 313 of indexing table 301. The cores 337, 337 of valve 326 and the cores 338, 338' of valve 327 are normally disposed to obstruct passage of air through said valves. Core 337 of valve 326 and core 338' of valve 327 are electrically connected to switch 323 of counter mechanism 318 by electrical lines 339, 340 and are displaced when contact 324 of switch 323 is closed. When this occurs air is applied from line 336 to cylinder 313 through air line 314 at the outer end thereof, and air is exhausted to atmosphere from line 315 at the inner end thereof. Core 337 of valve 326 and core 338 of valve 327 are electrically connected to switch 323 by electric lines 339, 342 and are displaced when contact 325 of switch 323 is closed immediately after contact 324. Thereby air is applied from line 336 to cylinder 313 through line 315 at the inner end thereof, and air is exhausted to atmosphere through line 314 at the outer end 12 thereof. As previously described contact 324 of switch 323 is closed each time counter mechanism 301 registers a count as desired for a complete stack of paper cones, and contact 325 is closed immediately thereafter.

In operation, the paper cone forming apparatus performs a series of operations in extremely rapid succession, in which blanks 10 are initially individually discharged from one end of blank stack 43, are then transferred from stack 43 onto curling member 13, are curled on said member about an axis into a cone shaped band, thereafter secured at the ends, ejected from curling member 13, and finally, automatically stacked for convenient storage and shipment. FIGS. 5 and 11 illustrate parts of the forming apparatus as they are positioned immediately prior to initiation of a cycle of operations. As seen in FIG. 5, the first cone blank 10 in stack 43 is initially retained in the stack by lip 69 on foot member 66, which is in the lowered position. Roller 73 is in contact with dwell portion 51 of cam 50 on shaft 21 which is rotating in the counterclockwise direction, and rounded projection 56 of cam 50 is positioned slightly behind (to the right in FIG. 5) roller 73. Transfer tube 138 is out of groove 86 in curling member 13 and is spaced slightly from blank 10. To so position transfer tube 138 cam 96 on shaft 23 is disposed so that roller 104 on rod 101 engages cam 96 at a point on the cam slightly behind, i.e., below cusp 99. Also on shaft 23 cam is disposed so that the leading end of its outward arcuate portion 149 is in engagement with roller 151 to elevate pressure rollers (only one of which is shown in FIG. 5) slightly above curling member 13. On shaft 22 curling member 13 is positioned with bores 87, 92 opening generally at the bottom of the member 13. At this initial point in the cycle of operations projecting portion 286 of cam 287 (FIG. 11) on shaft 21 is spaced slightly ahead of roller 285 on normally closed cam valve 284 so that air does not flow to blow-off tube 186 and the interior of curling member 13. Valve 211 is open with the obstructing portion of body member 215 being disposed slightly ahead of outlet port 224, whereby vacuum is introduced to the interior of curling member 13 through line 278 and chamber 212, from vacuum pump 273. At the same time body member 266 of valve 213 on shaft 23 closes outlet port 262 so that vacuum is not introduced to transfer tube 138.

Blank 10 is discharged when shafts 21, 23 have rotated approximately one-eighth of a full rotation from their above initial positions, and shaft 22, rotating at twice the speed of shafts 21, 23, has rotated approximately onequarter of a full rotation. This position is shown in broken line in FIG. 5 with parts designated by primed numerals. At this point rounded projection 56' of cam 50' is uppermost and in engagement with roller 73 for elevating foot member 66' above stack 43. Cusp 99 of cam 96' on shaft 23 is in contact with roller 104' whereby end 139 of transfer tube 138 is substantially against cone blank 10'. Valve 213 is open, with groove 268 therein communicating with outlet port 262 so that vacuum is introduced into transfer tube 138' from vacuum pump 273 and blank 10 is sucked against end 139 of said tube. Pressure rollers 165 remain elevated and curling member 13 is positioned so that bores 87, 92' therein open to the left side of said member. Valve 211 on shaft 21 (FIG. 11) remains open so that a vacuum is maintained in the interior of curling member 13.

As the shafts rotate from this position transfer of cone blank 10 to curling member 13 occurs as end 139 of transfer tube 138, carrying cone blank 10, moves into groove 86 of curling member 13 due to rightward movement of roller 104 on rod 101 from engagement with cusp 99 of cam 96 to the portion thereof nearest the center of shaft 23. Curling member 13 rotates during this movement to a position in which the outer ends of bores 87, 92 are in contact with the leading end of blank 10 whereby said blank is sucked against and gripped on curling member 13 for curling as said member rotates. Pressure rollers 165 are maintained in the elevated position by cam 148, but foot member 66 is lowered as roller 73 drops onto dwell portion 51 of cam 50, whereby the remaining blanks 10 are retained in stack 43.

As shafts 21, 23 rotate through approximately an additional one-eighth rotation and shaft 22 one-quarter rotation the curling operation is initiated (FIG. 6). The leading end of blank 10 and openings of bore 87, 92 in curling member 13 have moved to the right side of said curling member. End 139 of transfer tube 138 remains in groove 86, but pressure rolls 165 are lowered onto blank 10 and curling member 13 as roller 151 engages sharply curved portion 148 of cam 130. I

As shafts 21, 23 move through approximately an additional one-eighth rotation transfer tube end 139 moves to a position outside of groove but spaced from blank stack 43, and as shafts 21, 23 continue to rotate substantially through one complete rotation pressure rollers 165 are maintained in the lowered position and transfer tube end 139 remains out of groove 86 and spaced from blank stack 43. During such rotation the opposite ends of cone blank 10 are pressed together between pressure roller 165 and curling member 13.

As shafts 21, 23 are about to complete one 'full rotation, and shaft 22 two full rotations, ejection of the completed cone 25 occurs. 'On shaft 23 cam 130 is .positioned so that roller 151 engages said cam at a point on the leading end of arcuate portion 149 whereby pressure rollers 165 are elevated. In valve 211 on shaft 21 a portion of body member 215 closes outlet port 224 to cut off vacuum to the interior of curling member 13. Substantially simultaneously, projection 286 on cam 287 engages roller 285 on cam valve 284 to open said valve andadmit a burst of air to blow-E tube .186 and to the interior of curling member 13 through chamber 212. The completed cone is thereby positively propelled or blown from curling member 13 along guide rod 84 and onto a stacking rod 316.

As one complete paper cone is ejected, glue is applied to the bottom or trailing end of cone blank from which the next succeeding cone is to be formed. Immediately before shaft 23 completes one full rotation projection 208 on cam 209 thereon (FIG. 8) engages the depending roller 333 of microswitch 207, closing said switch and activating solenoid valve 205 which controls the flow of air from line 206 into glue applicator housing 197. When solenoid valve 205 is activated a burst of air is admitted to glue applicator housing 197 and glue is forced by said air through nozzles 202 (FIG. 8) and onto the trailing end of the cone blank 10.

The above cycle of operations is continuously repeated at a high rate of speed as shafts 21, 22, 23 are rotated with the result that completed paper cones issue from the apparatus in very rapid succession. With apparatus as herein described, having a single curling member 13, production rate of the order of 200 paper cones per minute is common. While the apparatus is operating to form the paper cones, stacking of the rapidly issuing cones on stacking rods 316 in stacks having a predetermined number of cones, is accomplished. The issuing paper cones pass along guide rod 84 between light source 321 and photoelectric cell 321 onto a stacking rod 316, and as each cone passes therebetween a number is registered on counter mechanism 318. When a predetermined number of paper cones as selected with selector dial 322, or a multiple thereof, have passed onto stacking rod 316, switch 323 is closed, closing contact 324, and immediately thereafter, closing contact 325. When contact 324 is closed solenoid valves 326 and 327 are activated and piston 312 in cylinder 313 of indexing table 301 is displaced for extending rack member 308 and rotating plate 304 and stacking rods 316 thereon. Closing of contact 325 activates solenoid valves 326 and 327 for causing return movement of piston 312 and retraction of rack member 308. Thus, as each stack is completed a stacking rod 316 is rotated from alignment with guide rod 84 and 14 a succeeding stacking rod is rotated into alignment therewith.

It is to be understood that the claims appended hereto are intended to cover all changes and modifications of the invention disclosed herein which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, it may be desired to construct apparatus having a plurality of blank curling members rotatable on a corresponding number of parallel shafts, with appropriate blank feed and other associated structure, in order to multiply the production capacity of the apparatus.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for forming a band from an elongated, flat blank, comprising:

(a) blank support means for supporting a plurality of said flat blan'ks in a row in face to face engagement;

(b) rotatable blank curling means including an annular surface adapted for receiving individual blanks thereon;

(c) means for rotating said blank curling means;

(d) said blank curling means including a first rotatable shaft;

(e) a source of vacuum;

(f) vacuum suction means on said blank curling means adapted for holding said individual blanks against said annular surface upon the introduction of vacuum to said vacuum suction means for rotating said blanks with said annular surface about the axis of said surface and curling each of said blanks into a band;

(g) a second rotatable shaft generally similar to said first shaft, and means for rotating said shaft;

(-11) a first conduit communicating between said vacuum suction means and said vacuum source;

(i) valve means in said conduit and on said second shaft and actuated by the rotation thereof for intermittently establishing communication between said vacuum suction means and said vacuum source;

(j) blank transfer means for transferring each of said individual blanks from said row thereof onto said annular surface and into contact with said vacuum suction means;

(k) intermittently actuated discharge means at one end of said row of blanks for successively discharging said individual blanks therefrom for transfer by said blank transfer means;

(1) means engageable with said annular surface for securing opposite end portions of said blank on said annular surface to each other in lapped relation; and

(in) means for positively displacing said band axially from said annular surface.

2. Apparatus for forming a band from a flat, elongated blank, comprising:

(a) blank curling means having an annular surface against which said blank is adapted to be held for curling into a band having lapped end portions upon rotation of said curling means about the axis of said surface;

(b) means for rotating said curling means about said axis;

(0) a source of air under pressure;

((1) a source of vacuum;

(e) an opening formed in said surface;

( f) a first conduit communicating between said opening and said source of air under pressure;

(g) a second conduit communicating between said opening and said source of vacuum;

(h) said first and second conduits including a portion common to both, said portion being unobstructed at all times to passage of air or vacuum to said opening; and

(i) first and second valve means respectively in said first conduit and in said second conduit remote from said portion common to both for alternately establishing communication between said source of air 1 5 and said opening and between said source of vacuum and said opening;

(j) a blank support for supporting a supply of said blanks in a row thereof in face to face engagement;

(k) blank transfer means having an orifice supported for reciprocating movement between an end blank of said row and said curling means;

(1) means for imparting such reciprocating movement to said orifice;

(m) a third conduit connected betwen said source of vacuum and said orifice;

(n) third valve means in said third conduit for intermittently applying vacuum to said orifice during movement thereof from said row to said curling means for causing said end blank to be carried with said orifice to said curling means and over said openin therein.

3. Apparatus for forming a band from a flat, elongated blank, comprising;

(a) blank curling means having an annular surface against which said blank is adapted to be held for curling into a band having lapped end portions upon rotation of said curling means about the axis of said surface;

(b) means for rotating said curling means about said axis;

(0) a source of air under pressure;

(d) a source of vacuum;

(e) an opening formed in said surface;

(f) a first conduit communicating between said opening and said source of air under pressure;

(g) a second conduit communicating between said opening and said source of vacuum;

(h) said first and second conduits including a portion common to both, said portion being unobstructed at all times to passage of air or vacuum to said opening;

(i) first and second valve means respectively in said first conduit and in said second conduit remote from said portion common to both for alternately establishing communication between said source of air and said opening and between said source of vacuum and said opening;

(j) lmeans defining an air passage having an orifice disposed alongside said annular surface and in communication with said first conduit;

(k) said first valve means being actuatable for substantially simultaneously establishing communication between said source of air and said orifice and between said source of air and said opening in said annular surface for causing air to be expelled through said orifice and said opening and against opposite surfaces of said band on said annular surface.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein:

(n) said blank transfer means includes an orifice supported for reciprocating movement between a blank at said end of said row and said annular surface;

(0) means for imparting such reciprocating motion to said orifice of said transfer means;

(p) a second conduit communicating between said orifice and said vacuum source; and

(q) valve means in said second conduit for intermittently establishing communication between said orifice and said vacuum source during movement of said orifice to said annular surface.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, in which:

(11) said means for securing said opposite end pontions of said blank comprises an adhesive applicator for applying adhesive to one of said opposite end portions of said blank; and

(o) a pressure roller adapted for reciprocating motion to and away from said annular surface for intermittent rolling contact therewith, for pressing said one end portion having said adhesive against the lapped opposite end portion of said blank and against said annular surface.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, in which: (11) said means for positively displacing said band axially from said annular surface, comprises;

(1) an opening in said annular surface,

(2) means defining an orifice opening alongside said annular surface,

(3) a source of air under pressure,

(4) a conduit communicating between said source of air under pressure and said orifice, and between said source of air under pressure and said opening in said annular surface; and

(5) valve means in said conduit for intermittently establishing substantially simultaneous communication between said source of air under pressure and said orifice and said opening in said annular surface.

7. Apparatus for forming a cone-shaped band from a fiat elongated blank, comprising:

(a) blank support means for supporting a plurality of said blanks in a row in face to face engagement;

(b) a rotatable blank curling assembly having a conical surface against which a blank is adapted to be held for curling into a band upon rotation of said curling assembly about the axis of said conical surface;

(c) means for rotating said conical surface about said axis;

(d) blank transfer means at one end of said row of blanks for successively transferring individual blanks from said row onto said conical surface of said blank curling assembly;

(e) band ejecting means within said blank curling assembly for axially displacing said bands curled from said blanks from said conical surface;

(If) a band receiving member moveable into the path of movement of said bands displaced from said conical surface for receiving thereon said bands in a stack thereof;

(g) counter means for counting the number of bands received on said band receiving member; and

(h) means for moving said band receiving member from said path of movement of said bands responsive to said counter means when said stack contains a preselected number of bands as counted by said counter means.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, including:

(i) a rotatable plate;

(j) said band receiving member being one of a plurality of regularly circularly spaced rods on said plate, each adapted to be moved into said path of movement of said bands displaced from said conical surface for receiving said bands therearound;

(k) said counter means being adapted for counting the number of bands received on said rod in said path; and

(1) said means for moving said band receiving member being adapted for rotating said plate in a direction responsive to said counter means for sequentially moving a rod away from said path of movement of said bands when said rod has received a preselected number of bands as counted by said counter means, and simultaneously moving an adjacent rod into said path of movement of said bands for receiving said bands therearound.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 including:

(i) a pair of spaced parallel, generally vertical plates;

(j) said blank curling assembly including a first shaft mounted for rotation in said pair of plates;

(k) a second shaft in spaced parallel relation to said first shaft and mounted for rotation in said pair of plates;

(1) said blank transfer means being actuated by rotation of said second shaft for successively transferring individual blanks from said row onto said blank curling assembly;

17 18 (m) a third shaft in spaced parallel relation to said (e) means for intermittently rotating said plate through first and said second shafts and rotatably mounted a predetermined angle of rotation responsive to said in said pair of plates; counter means for sequentially moving one said (n) said band ejecting means being actuated by rotastacking element from said path of movement of tion of said third shaft. 5 said bands when said elements has received a pre- 10. In apparatus for forming bands from flat, elongated selected number of bands as counted by said counter blanks, including a rotatable blank curling assembly havmeans, and simultaneously moving an adjacent stacking an annular surface around which said blanks are ing element into said path of movement of said bands adapted to be curled into bands and means for displacing for receiving said bands. said bands axially from said annular surface along a path 10 of movement, means for stacking said bands in stacks References Cited each having a preselected number of said bands, as said UNITED STATES PATENTS gagnzds are displaced from said annular surface, compr1s- 1,124,360 1/1915 h (a) a plate adapted for rotation about an axis; 15 g 1 Maler 93 79 (b) a plurality of stacking elements on said plate regu- 2/ 9 93 '79 larly circularly spaced around said axis; 2,642,785 6/1953 Wlttkuhns 93-84 (c) said stacking elements being moveable into said 2,777,369 1/1957 Mfmks 93-79 path of movement of said bands upon rotation of 2,833,185 5/ 1958 Dlxon 93-93 :33} gjjf f f figfigf said bands dlsplaced mm WAYNE A. MORSE, 1a., Primary Examiner. (d) counter means adapted for counting the number U S Q XR of said bands received by a stacking element in said path; 9393, 94; 53-78; 2146 

